Crime & Safety

Danielle Renninger: #8 Minnetonka Patch Story of 2012

We're counting down the most popular, inspiring, interesting and tragic stories of the year.

Four women died in a car crash Feb. 20 on their way back to North Dakota State University in the fog and snow.

Among the women who died was Danielle Rae Renninger, 18, a 2011 graduate of Minnetonka High School who was riding in the car headed back to Fargo after coming home for the Presidents' Day weekend.

The eighth top story on Minnetonka Patch this year was Minnetonka High School Graduate Dies In Car Crash, as people in the community grieved for the beautiful young woman lost in tragedy.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The accident occurred when control of the vehicle was lost and it crossed a median on I-94 west of Alexandria. The vehicle was then broadsided by a Ford Expedition traveling east, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The vehicle that struck the car carrying the women was then hit from behind by another eastbound car.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The three others who died in the crash were identified Lauren Peterson, 18 of Prior Lake; Jordan Playle, 19 of Elk River; and Megan Sample, 18 of Rogers. Peterson was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

All four of the women were wearing their seat belts and none of them were drinking.

Read more about Danielle Renninger:

• Web Explodes with Love for Danielle Renninger

• Minnetonka Students Wear Pink For Danielle

• 

• Minnewashta Students Donate on Behalf of Danielle Renninger

 

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Get our newsletter | Blog for Patch


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.